WDMCS Outlines Employee Guidelines for Severe Weather Cancellations

West Des Moines Community Schools employees must follow specific protocols regarding pay and work locations when severe weather impacts the district, according to guidelines released by WDMCS.

The district distinguishes between a “cancellation,” where school is canceled but specific buildings remain open, and a “closure,” which occurs when all district buildings, including the Learning Resource Center, close due to weather. During a full closure, no employees are expected to report to work.

Weather events affect employees differently based on their specific roles and contract types. Certified staff, which includes teachers and teacher leaders, have the option to work from home on the first full day of inclement weather or take leave. However, these employees will not work on any subsequent “no school” days, and those days are scheduled to be made up at the end of the school year.

Support staff working nine to ten months—such as general secretaries, assistants, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and various supervisors—receive pay for the first “no school” day. For any following days without school, these employees face three options: taking the time as unpaid, using a personal day, or making up the time within the same pay period, provided they have supervisor approval.

Twelve-month support staff, including building secretaries, transportation staff, and hourly support roles at the Learning Resource Center, face different requirements. These employees are expected to report to work, though they may also choose to use personal leave, vacation time, or make up time within the same pay period with supervisor approval. They may also work from home if their supervisor approves the arrangement.

Certain positions are exempt from working during weather-related school closures. Community Education building supervisors and Kids West employees located at schools will not work when school is not in session. For all other staff members, WDMCS directs employees to coordinate directly with their supervisors regarding their specific duties.

Administrators are held to a different standard during cancellations. They are expected to continue working in their buildings or work from home as deemed appropriate by the district. If school is not in session or all buildings are closed, the district intends to send more detailed information to staff members.

Employees seeking further clarification on these policies can refer to the WDMESP Agreement.